In a powerful demonstration of faith in action, the spirit of Christmas moved from the church pews to a prison cellblock in Kano. Dr. John Namaza-Niyiring, the Catholic Bishop of Kano Diocese, chose to celebrate the birth of Christ not only with his congregation but also with those society often forgets—the inmates of the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre. His visit, which culminated in the release of 11 individuals, transcended mere seasonal charity, offering a profound lesson in redemption, institutional collaboration, and the tangible power of hope.
The visit, detailed in a statement by the Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesman, Mr. Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa, was structured around core Christian principles with immediate practical impact. Bishop Namaza-Niyiring conducted a Christmas Mass within the centre, delivering a homily that directly addressed the inmates’ psychological and spiritual state. He framed the nativity of Jesus Christ as a universal symbol of “new beginnings and redemption,” a critical message for individuals grappling with guilt, societal stigma, and uncertain futures. His explicit urging for the inmates to reject the label of being “forgotten or abandoned” was a deliberate act of social healing, countering the isolation that can hinder rehabilitation.
This message was powerfully reinforced by concrete action. The bishop’s intervention led to the release of 11 inmates, enabling them to reunite with their families during the festive period. While the specific criteria for their release—such as the nature of their offenses, time served, or good behavior—were not detailed, such acts often involve the payment of outstanding fines or compensation for minor offenses, a practice known as “fine payment” common in charitable prison ministries. This direct pathway from hope to freedom gave tangible weight to the bishop’s words.
Beyond securing freedom, the visit addressed ongoing welfare and long-term development. The bishop donated essential items like food, drinks, and clothing, meeting immediate physical needs. More significantly, as acknowledged by the Officer-in-Charge, ACC Kafilu Abdullahi, this was not a one-off seasonal gesture. The bishop had previously donated six computers to the centre in 2024 to support inmate education. This highlights a strategic, year-round commitment to the NCoS’s rehabilitation and reintegration mandate. Education and digital literacy are vital tools for reducing recidivism, equipping inmates with skills to build lawful livelihoods upon release.
The reaction from the correctional service authorities underscores the visit’s systemic importance. ACC Abdullahi praised the “strong and positive collaboration between religious bodies and the Nigerian Correctional Service.” This partnership is crucial in a context where state resources are often stretched. Religious organizations provide not only material support but also ethical and psychosocial frameworks that complement official correctional programs. They act as bridges, helping to maintain inmates’ connection to the broader community and its values.
The event concluded with prayers and a “renewed commitment to promoting hope, dignity and rehabilitation.” In essence, Bishop Namaza-Niyiring’s Christmas visit embodied a holistic model of pastoral care: it offered spiritual solace (through worship and message), immediate relief (through donations), long-term investment (through educational tools), and restorative justice (through secured releases). It served as a vivid reminder that the season’s message of love, compassion, and second chances holds particular resonance behind bars, and that true celebration can be found in extending its promise to those who need it most.
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Sandra Umeh
Source: NAN News
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